Appeal for clothing and heating for childrens Orphanage in Skoikite near Pamporovo Bulgaria

Visitors letters and comments

Visit to Orphanage on Monday 3 March 2008

On 3 March, Carole and I went with Amanda to the orphanage and spent most of the day with the children. As a brief background, I joined the team at Carole and Amanda’s request to help with the administration side, recording donations etc and managing the website. I thought I had a good idea of what it entailed and why I was doing it. At first glance the site of the orphanage was so depressing it made your heart sink and wonder whether we could ever do enough to help these children or to improve the conditions that they were living in. But as we went inside the impending gloom and dreariness fell away as the children descended on us. I was not prepared for the welcome that we got – wide open smiles and the feeling of love from the children made you feel so humble. No matter what their age – from the youngest to the oldest – there was a feeling of overwhelming joy and pleasure to see us.

Amanda & Jasmine explained to the children who we were and what we were trying to do for them. Within minutes they had us all dancing to the music cds that had been given to them and we were all laughing and enjoying ourselves. They showed us all their new clothes and their school bags. They then took hold of our hands and couldn’t wait to show us the newly decorated bedrooms with new beds. They were also proud to show us their new clothes. and the pictures on the walls show how important the stationery items are to them.

But the one thing that really sticks in my mind was the caring of one of the young lads called Jesus. When we returned to the main common room after lunch I went to stand over by the windows to take photos and watch the children dancing again. Jesus gently took my shoulders and moved me along. He could see I was confused at his action but he pointed out that I was standing by a window which had broken glass in it and he was anxious that I might hurt myself. That single act brought the biggest lump to my throat in a long time and the thought it will remain with me for many years.

So now I can honestly say that we, and by this I mean everyone and anyone who has made a donation large or small, have helped to make such a significant difference in the lives of these children and I sincerely hope we can continue to do so. Thank you everyone and hear's to getting the heating replaced before next winter. I am currently in Bulgaria but will update all the photos of the children and the orphanage as soon as I can but, in the meantime, the small image at the beginning of this article shows one of the bedrooms which has been painted and has new beds. Andie

27 February 2008: Update from Amanda

I went to see the children today. Three of the boys were helping the workers fix the rooms, they were really getting stuck in, it was great to see them so happy and occupied. All the children are excited about the rooms being refurbished; the workers have to cope with lots of questions and heads popping around the door every couple of minutes. I had a meeting with two members of staff. I informed the that I am writing individual reports on all members of staff, this was very positive as they changed in the afternoon, they were helping the children make martinitsers and it was great too see. I argued with another member of staff as I witnessed her hitting on one of the children, well the least said here the better, but I am sure that there will not be any further hitting the children from her. She then went and cleaned all the toilets and the common areas, yes things are changing and I am so happy to be in the institute now. The children are all happier too.

The Cards had arrived in Sofia when I returned home to Sofia, so I will take them up-to Stoikite on my next visit. I wanted to go up on Friday with the children but I have promised to meet Caroline and Bob, so I guess it will be Monday. Jan Sully has some monies for me to collect and she leaves Pamps on Saturday morning, I'll have to think of something. I can’t believe that Doug actually wrote on the forum last night, he is so good. I am still in shock. I can’t take it in that all these wonderful things are happening; I keep pinching myself to see if it is real. The most exciting thing is that we are all apart of it, yesssssssssssssssss x x x. Amanda

27 February 2008: Doug's post on the forums
Hello to all, I am unaccustomed to writing on forums, this is a first for me, my virginal post. Amanda is not well at the moment (and don’t I know it) I believe that I could have run a marathon running around doing Amanda’s work today, not even I thought she did so much, I am exhausted. I have heard what wonderful and friendly people you all are from Amanda on numerous occasions My hat goes off to you Pete for putting up with her. My two lovely, delectable, energetic lady friends Carole and Andie have been a great support and I personally thank them too. I look forward too seeing many of you on the 14th. Pete what can I say, you are a brave man and deserve a medal for the skiathong. My contributions are small in comparison, I get to do the fun things, play soccer with the boys, pep talks to the boys, fitness with all, and be the general fix it man oh and chauffeur to all the kids.

I spent time visiting Yuri in hospital, it was clear that he was scared, I tried to reassure him. I had to return to my family in Sofia the day prior to Yuri’s operation. Unfortunately Yuri absconded from the hospital just a couple of hours prior to his operation. Yuri lived in the forest for several days prior to returning yesterday to the institute cold, scared and extremely hungry. Amanda was at the institute when he arrived, it was a very emotional time for them both, he explained he was worried he may die having the operation and wished she was at the hospital to comfort him. Amanda made Yuri warm soup and chatted in private to him. I am unsure of the nature of the conversation and she will not betray a confidence, but Yuri seemed happier after. Yuri will be placed on a waiting list for his operation to be re scheduled, I believe Amanda will be their this time, Yuri is very close to Amanda and he thinks highly of her.

I know that Amanda should not have favourites, but she has an even bigger soft spot for Slavcho. As you are aware he sustained burns to his penis and testicles that would bring a tear to anyone’s eyes. Slavcho does not talk and is different from the other children; it is hard to gauge how he feels. He has started to sit down again, therefore his wound must be healing, I am told that he is improving.

Gabbie’s plaster has now been removed, she still walks with a limp and her knee is still a concern but she feels much happier now. A new boy arrived named Defcho, he has huge scars across his head and face, he is about 14 years old and cowered as I went to say hello too him, he was terrified. I would hate to know this boys history. The staff just stated that he was an idiot, of course I pulled them up on using such wording, they did say that he sustained his wounds at home. I left the room at this point for fear of looking at the address he came from. Some people don’t deserve to be parents.

Amanda is threatening to go to the children in the morning to take photographs etc I am sure she will be on the forum again soon. Thank you too all whom are making the effort to help these children, they are really worth it, there are some great kids here, with good hearts and great potential. Doug

26 February 2008: Email from Doug for Amanda
I have just returned from Gym training with the boys at the orphanage, I am exhausted now, those boys certainly know how to keep an old guy fit. Works have started today on one of the bedrooms in the orphanage. The children’s rooms will soon begin to look like real bedrooms. Amanda is really excited about this project. The children were very curious today and were getting quite excited about their new rooms. Amanda is very passionate about this project; she has also become very attached to the children. Things are really starting to take shape in the orphanage now, I we are starting to see changes for the better now, this is thanks to all your hard work.

I collected numerous amounts of donated bags, I am unsure of the content of the bags; I will leave the organising of the donated items to Jasmine and Amanda, as they like to mark everything, prior to it being handing them directly to the children. Amanda has been concerned that someone whom donated items recently whilst visiting the orphanage they had left all donations in the staff office but when Jasmine returned the next day all items were not to be found anywhere. Jasmine and Amanda will interrogate the member staff which was on duty that day, however I do not hold out for any positive outcome. This is the main reason Amanda likes to collect the items in person.

I was speaking with Jasmine and was alarmed that there are no drinking vessels for the children; they do not even have water with meals. I was wondering if you would kindly ask for sponsorship for a water dispenser. This way there would be a contract and the contracting

company would replenish water and paper cups. Also it would be fantastic if someone would be prepared to donate two fold down netted goals for six a side football. These are light weight and will travel easily. Jasmine and Amanda are now engaging the children in Cookery lessons, English lessons, and personal hygiene. They spoke yesterday of knitting classes for the girls, however they would have to have this well supervised due to the amount of self harming children.

We plan to have a workshop for wood work, brick laying, painting and plastering. Amanda was planning to speak with local builders to give up a little free time. Amanda was working hard to find a placement for Slavcho when he leaves the orphanage this year. Amanda is very determined to make change in this orphanage and has given up a considerable amount of time, it has become a full time job for her. She does know her limits, but yes she does try to do to much at one time, she never listens too advise about slowing down from anyone. I have forwarded your kind regards, she sends her apologies for putting any additional work onto your shoulders and promises to be back soon. She is adamant that she will visit the children tomorrow to take photographs and video coverage of the before and after (I give up telling her to rest) Doug

Letter from Marion - 15 February 2008:

I first heard about Stoikite orphanage from a couple I met at Christmas called Kieth and Ellen. When I returned to London I found my way to the website and read about the plight of the children there and Amanda's story along with her efforts to improve the lives of these children. I was very concerned that anyone should have to live in such difficult conditions, especially so close to a tourist resort where billions of pounds are being spent by developers and tourists alike! I emailed Amanda and received a very quick response. I was able to collect lots of clothing from friends and from my own wardrobe and bought some treats for the children too. When I met Amanda on the first day of our trip she told me more of their stories and I started to see (even more) how difficult the whole situation is for them.

I was priveleged to be able to go and meet some of the children as they played outside the building at the orphanage. When Amanda and Doug's car pulled up outside, the children came running to meet them. Of course they didn't know me, but as soon as I smiled and shook hands with them and uttered as many of the few Bulgarian words I know, they warmed to me too. What amazing spirit they show, when they've had such difficult times and yet are ready to make friends so easily! Several of the boys were showing us how clever they are at sliding down the snowy slope on plastic bags, so I took some pictures. Then the children wanted to have turns at taking pictures too and my camera was passed around! When I asked Amanda, she felt it was better not to give out chocolates, since it was too close to dinner, but although it seemed to them I came empty-handed, it was not a bother to these children who were just happy to see visitors and to make friends. I will not forget these children. I look forward to further visits and will help in whatever way that I can. The hard part of the visit was leaving. If we ever think our lives are difficult, we must think of these children and give whatever we can to help them. Thankyou to Amanda and her team for all the good work they are doing to make these childrens' lives more positive, from Marion.

Letter from Katherine Mills - 31 January 2007

On Saturday the 27 th January I went to visit the Stoikite Orphanage. The last time I was there was when I worked in Pamporovo in 2006. Since then I've been working in Borovets during the winter. I was very pleased to hear Amanda and other people are doing what they can can to help this Orphanage and that more and more people are hearing of the plight. I really wanted to meet Amanda and to see the Orphanage again so I was really pleased when I got the time to go. After an over night stay in Pamporovo I drove the short distance to Stoikite.

I met Amanda and the Peace Corps worker Jasmine and together we went up to the orphanage. It was a very sunny , fairly warm day for the time of year but as soon as we walked through the doors of the orphanage the cold and the smell hits you.
I then had the pleasure of meeting some of the children. The first to greet us was Slavcho, he is a lovely lad who doesn't talk but loves to shake hands. We then went in to a room where lots of the children were playing. They were all so excited to see Jasmine and Amanda. Little Gabbie 'hopped' (she is the little girl who broke her leg) into Amanda's open arms. All the children were lovely and just wanted our attention. Both Jasmine and Amanda were talking to the children in Bulgarian. I've been here nearly six years so can speak enough Bulgarian to have a conversation, but that's after all these years. Jasmine has only been in Bulgaria since October. It just shows how much effort her and Amanda are putting in. In fact, that just the smallest thing they do, it's clear to see how much they love these children and how much these children love them. The room was full of excited voices , music, cuddles and games. I saw Amanda pretending to sew her lip much to the amusement of the little girls. Some of the boys were teasing Jasmine and I on our Bulgarian. These children wanted attention, human contact and just to feel cared about just like any other child in the world.

Amanda, Jasmine and a couple of the children (Boncho, Gabbie, Galina) then showed me around some of the rooms and the bathroom facilities. It was very cold , especially in the corridors I didn't take my coat off once. The rooms were only a little warmer due to the sun coming through the windows. I can only imagine how cold it is on colder days and at night. A few of the windows had lost the glass. When I visited I was told the heating was on full, but on touching some of the radiators I found them at very best luke warm the majority of them where stone cold. The water is run on the same old, inadequate system so is the same. Most of the children don't want to wash much because it's too cold. I was told this by one of the little boys (Boncho) he also told me how very cold it is in the Orphanage . The bathroom facilities were very old. The toilets are holes in the floor, the showers separated by creaked glass panels and really there is no privacy. The whole home smells because of the poor sanitation and the fact it is so cold everything is damp (including the children's beds).

Jasmine and Amanda are doing a fantastic job trying to bring a little light and happiness in to these children's lives. There are staff in the home, but only one or two at a time, I didn't meet any while I was there. They are local from the village, paid extremely poorly and are not trained.
There is a lot that needs doing in this Orphanage and many others in Bulgaria I'm sure. It's all small steps at a time and thankfully there are people in this world like Jasmine and Amanda who are trying to bring a little love in to these children's lives. I think we can all do our bit as humans even if it's only small or from afar. Please give what you can to the heating campaign. If we all try we can bring some much needed warmth into these children's lives. Katherine Mills (Holiday Rep, Borovets)

Letter from John & Paula (27 December 2007)

We (my wife Paula and Daughter Kayleigh) went to the orphanage yesterday and took a small gift for each child to open. (it won't cause a ripple in their lives as a whole, but a smile on Christmas day - well worth it).
We followed Amanda and hubby Douglas from their house in our car. (we had travelled earlier from a foggy Yambol and even managed to escape a fine for speeding on a clear stretch of road on our way to Pamporovo early on Christmas morning!)
First impressions once inside the building? COLD, COLD, COLD and a real stench

Christmas at the Orphanage

The video below is in two parts, both of approx 10 minutes each. As background to people in the video, John (the jolly chap helping put on the boys watches), Paula (long blonde hair) and Kayleigh (long dark hair) - see notes of their visit below - kindly joined us with there gifts. Azaria (long blond hair with orange jacket) and Michael (tall red jacket) are two of our children also joined in. I am the one with her hair tied up and grey long cardigan and Jasmin has blonde hair, black jacket. Everyone had had an amazing time, andthanks to all the kind donators whom made Christmas for these children:

Letter from Amanda to Julie who recently visited the orphanage and spent time with the children.

Dear Julie, I will never forget your visit, I look forward to your return. Most of all I am happy that we met, you are a genuine lady with a big heart. I know that the institute will have a lasting effect on you, but you get through it by concentrating on the good things like the happy faces and fond memories and of course my gymnastics not many adult are privi to that. I could not do all I do with the love and support from my family and friends and I think of you as one of my new friends. I will continue with my support with the children and hope that I continue being someone positive in their lives. Children are what my life has always been about and I hope that nothing changes that. You had an insight into what really happens good and bad with these children and bought with you compassion and understanding, the children warmed quickly to you and don’t understand where you are geographically but in their hearts they new you were there for them and this they will keep. I hope that you will return and see some change in their lives for the better.

The children would love to see the photographs and I will be more than happy to print them and put them on the wall. The director came to meet me, she confided why the staff have lost interest, between the staff they have paid out of their own pockets over 10,000 lev since 2003, the education authority is supposed to reimburse these out of pocket expenses, this has never happened. This is the reason you saw Galina crying in pain suffering headaches due to her not having glasses, they refuse to spend their own monies with the understanding that even with receipts it will not be refunded. The system is that the staff pay and the government refund, but there is no refund. I will speak to the minister about this on Thursday or Friday but the reality is that they will play lip service with me and make the usual guarantees, but once I am out of the door nothing will be done. There are 2 staff for 58 kids per shift, I will ask for more. I will ask for medical training as no member of staff has openly said that they would have no idea what to do in an emergency. I will ask for HIV tests on all children, dental checks, monies towards the heating system, but before I have the meeting I know that nothing will change. Once I can confirm that they will do nothing, this is when I will really fight for the basic human rights, but I won’t do so until I have given all government officials the opportunity to do something. I always try and do things the easy way, follow the correct procedures, exhaust every channel first before going to in this case the European courts of human rights. I live in hope that I am wrong and we do not have to go down the long exhausting route of courts ect.

I have made some good friends whilst helping these children and in that I include you. I am aware that I will make enemies also along the way. This heating fund I fear may take longer than anticipated; I hope that we are able to get there prior to another winter. Here are several people thanks to the forum doing there very best to raise the monies and I hope that the support continues. I am not alone and without Carole and Andie we would not have accomplished what we have so far, we all live to fight another day in the hope of getting continuous heat throughout the winter months to come. Your help and donations will go along way to make this project work and I want to thank-you on behalf of Carole, Andie, myself and all the children for everything, but most of all for just being you x. Thank-you for your kind words on the website I was very touched. I look forward to remaining in contact and I a sure that if Carole and Andie have not been in-touch as yet they will do soon. Love and best wishes. Amanda